It was here that the brothers Bentley, Arnold and Harry, who even managed to rob Hitler’s Germany of a medal in the Berlin Olympics in 1936, ruled in the 1930s and 40s. The course is the oldest in the area – founded in 1885.
The Clubhouse, Hesketh
We manage to tee off between two member groups on the 1st, a par 4 which successfully hides the green between two huge sand dunes. The 2nd, with elevated tee, has a low-lying fairway to a green that is also raised on a hill – wonderful. We land on top of the hill and can finish in major. On the way towards the 3rd we see a real links pearler, the 14th. After the 3rd, we play 11 flat holes typical of an ordinary Swedish public course – curtain please! Back on the 14th we need energy to once again regain our positive mood. This hole has wonderful links character – narrow drive. Hidden bunkers, elephant grass, and a hidden green in the distance.
View over 14th hole, Hesketh GC
Up on the 15th tee we realise too late that we are standing with a driver staring at a gigantic grass-covered hill with a marker post as big as a telephone pole – fantastic. We feel on top of the world again. Shall we fade the ball round, strike it over the top or gamble on a corner? We choose all these alternatives but there is only one winner. The green can only be seen from the left, with a big sand dune resting against its right cheek. The 16th is a long par 3 that challenges but is forced to give in as two of us get there in one – par. The 17th and 18th are both par 5s running parallel but are of different character. The 17th is a little narrower, but fades to the right after 350 yards and forces you to lay up when confronted by a belt of trees. The 18th is another masterpiece. The opening to the green between sand dunes is only a yard wide. We seize our bags and take ourselves through to finish. Seven links holes at Hesketh.
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